How Effective Are Weight Loss Medications? A Comparison of Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Liraglutide, and Phentermine for Weight Loss Compared to Diet and Exercise Alone

Weight loss medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, and phentermine have gained significant attention for their potential to help individuals achieve and maintain weight loss. In Maryland weight loss clinics and Delaware weight loss centers, patients are receiving more and more prescriptions for these medications. All of these meds work through different mechanisms, but how effective are they compared to the traditional approach of diet and exercise alone? Let’s dive into each option and evaluate their effectiveness for those seeking weight loss in Maryland or weight loss in Delaware.

Semaglutide (also known as Wegovy or Ozempic)

Mechanism of Action:

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. By slowing gastric emptying and signaling fullness to the brain, semaglutide helps reduce calorie intake.

Effectiveness:

Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss. In the STEP trials, participants taking semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% in the placebo group. For someone weighing 200 pounds, this could mean a 30-pound loss.

Comparison to Diet and Exercise Alone:

While diet and exercise can result in weight loss, the average reduction is around 5-10% of body weight with sustained effort. Semaglutide significantly enhances this outcome, especially for individuals who struggle with appetite control.

Clinically, Maryland weight loss and Delaware weight loss patients are experiencing a loss of 1-2 lbs weekly with the help of FreshRx's guidance and GLP1 medications like semaglutide.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

Mechanism of Action:

Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. This dual action enhances appetite suppression and metabolic regulation.

Effectiveness:

In clinical trials, tirzepatide outperformed semaglutide in terms of weight loss. Participants lost up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks with the highest dose (15 mg). This makes tirzepatide one of the most effective weight loss medications available.

Comparison to Diet and Exercise Alone:

Tirzepatide can more than double the weight loss achieved through lifestyle changes alone. For individuals with obesity or related conditions, this medication can provide transformative results when combined with healthy habits.

At FreshRx, our Maryland and Delaware weight loss patients are also experiencing a loss of 1-2 lbs weekly on tirzepatide. Patients often also report feeling reduced pesky side effects while on tirzepatide such as nausea and constipation!

Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza)

Mechanism of Action:

Liraglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist but is administered daily instead of weekly like semaglutide. It also promotes feelings of fullness and reduces hunger.

Effectiveness:

Studies show that liraglutide can lead to a weight loss of around 8-10% of body weight over 56 weeks. While effective, it is generally less potent than semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Comparison to Diet and Exercise Alone:

Liraglutide offers a moderate boost to weight loss outcomes compared to diet and exercise alone. It may be a good option for individuals seeking a daily medication or those who cannot tolerate semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Weight loss injections in Maryland and Delaware are a very convenient way to help lose weight

Phentermine

Mechanism of Action:

Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine that suppresses appetite by stimulating the release of norepinephrine in the brain. It is typically prescribed as a short-term solution (up to 12 weeks). However, more recent studies are promising for longer term use of phentermine for weight loss purposes as well.

Effectiveness:

On average, phentermine can result in a weight loss of 5-10% of body weight over 12 weeks. Longer-term data has been limited until recently, so it is not yet FDA approved for extended use.

Patients at FreshRx are assessed for candidacy for phentermine use in the event that that becomes an option they'd like to explore.

Comparison to Diet and Exercise Alone:

Phentermine provides a similar boost to weight loss as liraglutide but lacks the long-term benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists. It may be a more affordable option for short-term weight loss goals.

Diet and Exercise Alone

Effectiveness:

Lifestyle changes remain the foundation of any weight loss plan in Maryland, Delaware, and all over the world. The average weight loss with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise is around 5-10% of body weight. However, many individuals struggle to maintain these changes long-term, leading to weight regain. Because of the high probability of weight regain, most patients seeking weight loss in Maryland and Delaware opt for the help of medication, at least temporarily.

Advantages:

• No medication-related side effects

• Cost-effective

• Improves overall health, including cardiovascular fitness and mental well-being

Limitations:Sustaining significant weight loss can be challenging, particularly for individuals with hormonal or metabolic conditions.

Comparing the Options

Medication	Average Weight Loss	Key Features	Best For
Semaglutide	15% of body weight	Weekly injection; strong appetite suppression	Individuals seeking significant weight loss
Tirzepatide	Up to 22.5% of body weight	Dual action; most effective option	Those with obesity or diabetes
Liraglutide	8-10% of body weight	Daily injection; moderate effectiveness	Individuals preferring daily dosing
Phentermine	5-10% of body weight	Oral medication; short-term use	Short-term weight loss goals
Diet & Exercise	5-10% of body weight	Sustainable with effort; requires significant commitment	Individuals preferring non-medication options

Conclusion

Weight loss medications like semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, and phentermine offer effective solutions for individuals struggling to achieve their goals with diet and exercise alone. While semaglutide and tirzepatide provide the most substantial results, each option has unique benefits and considerations.

Luckily, we are living in a time where we have access to very effective medications that not only support weight loss efforts, but also reduce inflammation throughout the body. GLP1 medications and others in Maryland and Delaware are truly changing lives for the better, the long term.

If you’re in Fallston, Bel Air, Baltimore, or anywhere in Maryland or Delaware, and are curious about which weight loss approach is right for you, contact FreshRx Wellness for a consultation. We’ll help you develop a personalized plan that combines the best of medical innovation and lifestyle changes to help you achieve your goals!